PORTSMOUTH - President George W. Bush has heard the criticism that his opponent will win if the election comes down to domestic issues and now the Commander-in-Chief is fighting back.

After campaign stops earlier in the day in Huntington, W.Va. and Ironton, the president wasted little time Friday as he quickly worked the crowd of more than 2,100 supporters in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center Gymnasium at Shawnee State University by presenting a message that combined domestic priorities and continuing the war on terror.

"If you are interested in a stronger America, a safer America and a better America, put Dick Cheney and me back in office," Bush said to the roaring partisan crowd.

In addition to the audience, hundreds of people lined the streets between Ironton and Portsmouth, hoping to catch a glimpse of the president in his motorcade.

Before the president arrived, Sen. Doug White (R-14th) told the audience that Bush is the man to continue to lead the country.

"In these perilous times, we need a man who says what he means and means what he says," White said "… We know President Bush has been a compassionate leader who has shown sympathy and strength when we were attacked. President Bush shares the same family values we have."

Following several other Ohio speakers including Scioto County Commissioner Opal Spears, U.S. Rep. Rob Portman and former Cincinnati Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, the wait was over.

U.S. Senator Zell Miller (D-Ga.) introduced the president and continued to show that party lines may mean little this November.

"As I said at the convention in New York City, this election will change forever the course of history," Miller said. "That is not just any history, that is our families' history."

Attempting to quash the rumors that he does not have sound domestic policies, the president tried to emphasize that the nation's economy is turning the corner and only going to get better.

More than 1.7 million jobs have been created since August 2003 and the nation's 5.4 unemployment rate is lower than the average of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Bush said.

"We have been through a lot but we have overcome the obstacles," Bush said. "We have so many great small business owners, people that are dreamers and doers. We have great farmers."

The President talked about the importance of health care, medical liability reform, simplifying the tax code and pension plan and changing the labor laws to be more family friendly.

"We need to change the antiquated systems in our country," Bush said. "The role of government is to help people with their lives, not run their lives. We want to help people realize their dreams."

The President also took several shots at Kerry including saying that he has proposed $2.2 trillion in programs but does not have a plan to pay for it and voted for military action but voted against funding it.

Before opening up the floor to questions, Bush also defended the war on terror, calling it a success that has netted three-fourths of the al-Qaida members and dismantled the terror financing system in Iraq.

"Freedom will transform Iraq from a place of tyranny to a place of hope," he said. "It is happening."

The President fielded questions from the audience that ranged from Kerry's plan, mad cow disease, what his legacy will be and if he would support a local high schoolers' bid to be class president next week.

"You have got my support," Bush said. "Let me know how it turns out."

Bush and Kerry will both have to wait a little longer to see how their election turns out.